London Boat Show January 2009

NBS issues statement on London boat show

By IBI Magazine

In response to "rumours" it claims that are circulating the industry, organisers of the London Boat Show, National Boat Shows have issued a statement providing a full update on the event scheduled to take place in January. In an open letter to the industry, NBS managing director Andrew Williams states:

"I have heard some rumours that there are 'big discounts' available and that the Show will only be 'half the size of last year's Show'. I shall be very clear on this - this is not the case at ExCeL. NBS operates a very fair, clear and well communicated pricing policy; discounts are only available to fully paid BMF members and are based on the number of consecutive years a company exhibits with us at London. There are no other 'deals or discounts' available. The Show is owned by the industry and NBS is mandated to deliver a fair and ethical policy for all - this cannot and therefore will not be deviated from…

He adds:

"I have been asked if the three large British power boat builders are exhibiting with us at London. The answer quite simply is yes. Both Princess and Sunseeker will both have by far their biggest presence ever at London - both in the halls and outside on the marina… Fairline is taking the same size stand as in 2008, as well as supporting the Main Stage - Powered by Fairline. It has been well reported that Sealine, for its own business reasons, is not attending which is disappointing for themselves, NBS, exhibitors and visitors; however, I can confirm that the space was taken very swiftly by Jeanneau which has expanded and will be exhibiting its extensive range of large and medium size power boats…

"This economic situation has meant that a handful of exhibitors in large or small power are either now unable to attend the 09 Show or have been forced to trim their space… As a result, we will be partitioning off a small section of space at the west end of the South Hall to ensure it retains the impressive look it is renowned for. This equates to just under 4% of the total space that we use at ExCeL, from 78,000sqm down to 75,000sqm. Importantly, this change will not be visible to anyone attending the Show. The main entrance door into the South Hall, S1, will still be open - in fact we are opening extra doors in from the boulevard to improve the flow.

Williams concludes:

"I believe that, with the current economic position, this is a positive result and also the right thing to do to ensure the visitor experience a vibrant, elegant and fun Show."

(25 November 2008)

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